Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council reflected on a year that has delivered financial stability for the city, while committing to building a city where people feel safe, connected and proud of where they live.

In her speech to the chamber, she said:

Over the last year, we as an administration and as a cabinet have continued to demonstrate what can be achieved when there is clear leadership, a strong administration, and a determination to deliver for the people of derby.

Through disciplined financial management and welcome support from government, we have put derby on a firm financial footing and created greater stability for the years ahead.

That financial responsibility has not simply been about balancing the books, it has enabled us to continue investing in derby and delivering improvements that people can see and feel in their daily lives.

The meeting also saw changes to the makeup of the Council’s cabinet, with Councillor Paul Hezelgrave stepping down as Deputy Leader and Councillor Kathy Kozlowski stepping down as Cabinet Member for Governance and Finance.

Following a lengthy career in local politics Cllr Hezelgrave had previously announced his intention to retire in 2027 and stood down at the AGM in preparation for this. He will continue in his role as Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Skills.

Cllr Kozlowski has stepped down from her role in Cabinet to take up the Chief Executive position for the local charity Sight Support Derbyshire. She will continue to serve as a ward councillor for Chaddesden West.

At the AGM, Councillor Shiraz Khan was named as the new Deputy Leader of the Council, while Councillor Gurkiran Kaur joined the Cabinet with the portfolio of City Centre, Culture and Tourism. The full Cabinet changes can be found on the Derby City Council Newsroom.

When announcing the changes, Councillor Peatfield acknowledged the contributions of Councillor’s Hezelgrave and Kozlowski. She said:

Councillor Hezelgrave’s invaluable wisdom and experience have helped guide this administration from the start.

Councillor Kozlowski was a part of the Council’s first predominantly female cabinet and has played a key role as we have navigated budgetary and financial challenges in recent years.

My heartfelt thanks go to both for their contributions to this administration over the last two years.

Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Skills

I have stepped down from the role of Deputy Leader but remain in Cabinet with the Children, Young People and Skills portfolio.

The position of Deputy Leader was never one I sought or considered, but one I happily agreed to when the leader asked for my support. I’ve stayed in post slightly longer than the planned 18 months but stepping down at the AGM is the most appropriate and logical time to do so.

This is not a role that has ever been on my bucket list, but my Cabinet Portfolio has been since I was first elected in 2014 and joined the CYP Scrutiny Committee. My continuous service on that Committee has given me a solid understanding of the issues around Children’s Social Care and Corporate Parenting. This is complemented by my professional background as a teacher, middle manager, and governor at schools around the city.

I wish my successor, Cllr. Shiraz Khan, all the best in his new role. He’s more than capable of taking up those reins.

Councillor Kathy Kozlowski, Cabinet Member for Governance and Finance, said:

Serving as Cabinet Member for Governance and Finance over the past two years has been a real privilege. Despite the challenges we have faced, we have made significant progress in strengthening how we manage public resources and serve our communities. This has only been possible through the collaboration of teams across the organisation, and I want to thank them for their professionalism, expertise and dedication throughout this time.

The meeting also saw Derby’s new Youth Mayor, Oliwia Macinkiewicz, and Deputy Youth Mayor, Anselmo Pedro, take up their positions for the next twelve months. Oliwia and Anselmo recited their oaths with Monitoring Officer Emily Feenan.

Earlier in the day, the new Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Derby were elected by councillors. Councillor Jonathan Smale and Councillor Richard Hudson were appointed to the respective roles.